Brian Cox's star shines even brighter with world record for science tickets sold

Professor Brian Cox has achieved a Guinness World Record title for Most Tickets Sold For A Science Tour.

The broadcaster and academic began his UK and Ireland tour, titled Professor Brian Cox Live, in September this year.

Professor Cox has toured for 48 days and more than 75,000 people have watched as he explains the workings of nature at a basic level during his stage spectacular.

(Joel Ryan/AP)

He said: "It's immensely gratifying to see so many people of all ages interested in fundamental questions about the Universe and our place within it.

"These questions may appear esoteric and disconnected from our lives, but this is to undervalue the perspective that astronomy and cosmology can bring.

"The Earth is a tiny, fragile spec in the darkness, and yet incalculably valuable because of its temporary occupation by an unlikely civilisation that has found a way to explore the origin of the Universe."

Professor Cox went on to say that the 21st-century challenges we face are of a global nature and as such require "global solutions".

(Dominic Lipinski/PA)

"We are citizens of the world, whether we like it or not, and this is obvious when we raise our gaze beyond the horizon and outwards to the stars," he said.

Guinness World Records editor-in-chief Craig Glenday praised him for his efforts which "undoubtedly (are) inspiring the next generation of scientists, thinkers, dreamers and maybe even world record holders".

He said: "Professor Brian Cox's work over the last decade, culminating in the record-breaking success of his live tour, has served to make science more popular and accessible than ever before.

"With so much of the Guinness World Records book dedicated to science each year, it's a pleasure to celebrate Brain's ongoing contribution."

Professor Brian Cox (Matt Faber/PA)

The 48-year old physicist, who studied at the University of Manchester, has added dates to his arena tour in May 2017.

Formerly a keyboard player with D:Ream, who had a 1993 number one hit with Things Can Only Get Better, he made a successful transition to broadcasting.

The live tour also includes a Q and A session which is hosted by Robin Ince, who presents The Infinite Monkey Cage on BBC Radio 4 alongside Cox.